WASHINGTON, DC– The Problem Solvers Caucus endorsed the Federal Firefighter Fairness Act of 2021, bipartisan legislation that would ensure federal firefighters receive the same access to job-related disability and retirement benefits as state, county, and municipal firefighters. Federal firefighters are regularly exposed to injury and disease while protecting national interests, such as military installations, VA hospitals, and national parks. 

To receive disability benefits under current federal law, federal firefighters must pinpoint the precise incident or exposure that caused a disease for it to be considered job-related. The Federal Firefighter Fairness Act of 2021 would classify a range of illnesses – like lung diseases and certain cancers – as “job-related,” making them automatically eligible for federal workers’ compensation and disability retirement benefits.

Supporters of the bill include the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE).Representatives Salud Carbajal (CA-24) and Bill Johnson (OH-06) brought the legislation for endorsement, which garnered the support of more than 75 percent of the Caucus.

Read the full release here.